Event Details

This is a special occasion in memory of a special man: Frank Keating, the sparkling sports writer who delighted Guardian readers for nearly 40 years until his death in January 2013. It is not so much a memorial as a celebration of a unique journalist and character.

On the eve of the final Ashes Test of the summer, he will be remembered by his colleagues and friends, including some of the great sports stars of his era. The evening will feature two panel discussions, highlighting some of the best Frank anecdotes and analysing his writing style and his optimistic view of sport.

There will be video compilations, readings from Frank’s works and audience participation. A cash bar will be in operation.

Speakers are due to include:

Graham Gooch – England’s most prolific run-scorer and now the team’s batting coach.Mike Atherton – Another former England captain. Now The Times cricket correspondent and Sky commentator.Alastair Hignell – England rugby full-back, Gloucestershire cricketer and former BBC commentator.Eddie Butler – Captain of the Welsh rugby team six times. Now rugby correspondent of The Observer.Mike Selvey – Fast bowler for Middlesex and England. Guardian cricket correspondent since 1987.Patrick Collins – Multi-award-winning chief sports writer of the Mail on Sunday.And actor and writer Christopher Douglas – aka Ed Reardon of Radio 4 – who will read extracts from some of Frank’s best works.

Any profits will go to the Keating family’s chosen causes, St Michael's Hospice, Hereford and the Laurie Engel Fund.